Pittsfield council to review 2 projects Total fund outlay cut to $300,000

PITTSFIELD – When the Town Council reviewed the capital budget last December, more than $500,000 in projects made the list.

“We can’t really do that,” Town Manager Kathryn Ruth said Friday, and still keep the lid on taxes.

So when the council meets next Tuesday, they will be looking at just two projects with a combined value of $300,000.

Ruth announced recently that the town’s mill rate has decreased from $24.40 per $1,000 of valuation to $22.50, a 7.8 percent decrease.

Ruth credited Somerset County’s ability to hold the line on its budget, SAD 53’s decision to pass on increased state funding to the taxpayers, and an increase in town valuation of $6.8 million.

To keep the budget in check, Ruth is proposing just two projects for this fall.

The purchase and installation of water meters to standardize the town’s system is to be set for a public hearing on Sept. 5. Ruth suggests $150,000 for this project, which will be borrowed through general obligation bonds.

The second project would also require up to $150,000 in similar bonds to repair and replace sewer mains and manholes on South Main, Franklin and Summer streets.

The scope of the project will depend on how far the town can stretch the funding, Ruth explained. The funding for this project will be reimbursed from the town’s sewer fund.

Public comment will not be taken at the council’s Tuesday, Aug. 15, meeting, but rather at the public hearing Sept. 5.

Also on the agenda for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15, are:

. Acceptance of the Somerset County multijurisdictional all-hazard mitigation plan, which is required before applying for various grant programs.

. The transfer of surplus property sale proceeds of $4,332 to miscellaneous revenues.

. Excusing the absence of Councilor Kevin Taylor for missing three past meetings due to out-of-state work duties.

. Updates on financial reports, grant awards and distribution, town fees and Pinnacle Park.

. A reminder that nomination papers are now available for three three-year terms on the council, and two three-year terms on the SAD 53 board of directors.